Enriching the lives of children through the exploration of the arts
Welcome To BAAY!
Founded in 2006, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization that offers quality instruction and mentoring in theater, choir, dance, music, and visual arts to youth ages 5-17. The mission of BAAY is to enrich children’s lives through the exploration of the arts.
BAAY serves approximately 1400 children annually in three main programs: at our campus theatre, in our arts-based preschool (closed for 2020-2021), and in EduArts after-school enrichment classes in elementary schools throughout Whatcom County. Through our programs, we create community, and teach children confidence, character and creativity.
Thank you for voting for BAAY as the Gold winner of Best Childcare / After-School Program in Best of the Northwest 2022 and Best Summer Camp in Cascades Best 2024!
Upcoming Performances
Shrek the Musical — December 6-8, 13-15, and 20-22 (Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, Sundays at 2pm)
All fall performances take place at the BAAY Theatre
See more information about upcoming shows on our Tickets page.
At BAAY, we believe in accessible arts education for all. Every student who auditions for a production will receive a part (see our casting policy in the FAQ here), and we offer financial aid upon request (see here). You can join in this work – give a gift today and help a local child access the arts!
Upcoming Courses
Pre-K & Homeschool
For Ages 5-6
For Ages 7-8
For Ages 9-10
For Ages 11-12
For Ages 13-14
For Ages 15-17*
*Open to students age 18 if still in high school
Theatre
At our downtown campus theatre, we provide children with a safe and supportive community in which to learn acting, vocal performance, costuming, theatre tech, dance, and theatre devising. Through these classes, we foster respect, cooperation, decision-making, team-building, self-discipline, and self-confidence in young people.
BAAY offers performing arts classes to children ages 5-17 at our theater in downtown Bellingham. We offer over two dozen programs a year. Almost all of those programs culminate in performances, including plays, dance performances, and full musicals like Matilda, Oliver, Little Shop of Horrors, Pippin, Bye Bye Birdie, The Outsiders, Beauty and the Beast, Shrek, and many others. Approximately 5500 children and adults attend productions at our theatre each year to enjoy the arts and celebrate the students’ work. Since 2006, we have staged approximately 200 musicals and plays.
Thank you Sponsors!
BAAY is grateful to be supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.
BAAY is deeply thankful for support from our monthly Encore donors, from local businesses, and from generous individuals in our community. Please visit our Thank You Supporters page where we recognize those who help keep the lights on and keep us serving children.